IT DOESN’T SEEM LIKE 20 YEARS SINCE WE LAST PRODUCED ARTHUR KOPIT AND MAURY YESTON’S PHANTOM. OUR FIRST TWO PRODUCTIONS OF THE SHOW WERE DIRECTED BY PHIL MCKINLEY, WHO WENT ON TO DIRECT THE BOY FROM OZ AND SPIDERMAN ON BROADWAY. THIS TIME AROUND I WILL GET THE CHANCE TO DIRECT THIS BEAUTIFUL MUSICAL AND I’M VERY EXCITED.

P2 P3 CELEBRATINGMARY LONG’S40 YEAR CAREER P5 PHANTOM’S

FEATURED MENUS

SEASON | YEAR

Women’s HealthC L I N I C

A N E W S L E T T E R D E D I C AT E D T O G R O U P S , O R G A N I Z AT I O N S A N D F R I E N D S O F T H E F I R E S I D E T H E AT R E

SEPTEMBER 2017

MORE ON YESTON & KOPIT’S PHANTOM P7 DREAM GIFTS

FOR DOG AND CAT LOVERS

The greatest Phantom of them all!

A lot of people get Kopit and Yeston’s PHANTOM confused with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s PHANTOM OF THE OPERA which has run on Broadway for decades. The two shows couldn’t be more different. Although they are based on the same 1909 novel “Phantom of the Opera” by Gaston Leroux, they take the story in very different directions. For my money, the Kopit and Yeston version is far superior. It has a better musical score and unlike Webber’s show, which is composed through with no dialogue, it has a beautiful, powerful, moving book that can exist (and has) as a play without music. The combination of book and music creates an unforgettable theatre experience.

So you might then ask: Why has Webber’s version run for so long on Broadway and overshadowed this superior version? The story is quite interesting.

Yeston and Kopit had just finished the musical NINE, winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1982, when in 1983 they were approached by actor/director

Geoffrey Holder to write a musical based on Leroux’s novel. Holder had obtained the rights to musicalize the novel in America from the Leroux estate, making PHANTOM the only "Phantom of the Opera" musical to do so.

In 1984, British producer Ken Hill revived his 1976 musical "Phantom of the Opera" in England. This was not a big threat to Holder, Kopit and Yeston, since their musical was intended to play on Broadway. The real threat emerged through an announcement in Variety, where an article was published concerning plans for a musical production of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The rights to the novel were in the public domain in Great Britain. Holder only held the rights for two years in the United States and Europe before the property became public domain there as well. Yeston had completed much of the score to PHANTOM, and Yeston, Kopit and Holder were in the process of raising

(continued on page 2)

“The story of why the Webber version has overshadowed this superior production is quite interesting. I've explained it all to you here.” – Ed Flesch

money for a Broadway production when the Lloyd Webber plans were announced.

After PHANTOM OF THE OPERA became a smash hit in London in 1986, Lloyd Webber announced a Broadway production, and Yeston’s Broadway investors backed out. Yeston, Kopit and Holder reluctantly shelved their plans for PHANTOM and went their separate ways for a time. A few years later, Kopit rewrote the script outline of his unproduced musical into a teleplay for a four-hour two-part

miniseries entitled

"The Phantom of the Opera" and sold it to NBC. It premiered on television in 1990 starring Burt Lancaster. Kopit said, “I told Maury to hold on. Maybe someone would see the miniseries, think it would make a good musical, and we’d be ready.”

Sure enough the Yeston/Kopit musical was finally produced by Houston’s Theater Under the Stars in 1991 under the official title PHANTOM. The piece has since been produced over 1,000 times around the world. Yeston refers to PHANTOM as “the greatest hit never to be

produced on Broadway.”

Now you have the opportunity to see PHANTOM as only The Fireside can do it. With glorious music sung by a cast of some of the best Broadway and Regional performers, this production will certainly go down as one of our best ever. You don’t want to miss it!!

(Pronunciation tip for the creator's names: More-ee Yeston & Arthur Ko-pit)

Hospitality never goes out of style!

Shots from our 1998 production of PHANTOM.

MARY LONG CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN BANKING THIS YEAR,

MUCH OF IT ON THE ROAD!

Having studied Marketing and Management, Mary Long began her banking career in DeKalb, Illinois in 1977. Some time in the 80’s when banks around the country were all getting into the travel business, she “fell” into it as well. Attending our 1993 production of PHANTOM was one of the first of many, many trips to The Fireside for Mary. She went from DeKalb to Elgin and ran a successful program there for a bank that changed hands several times, always including The Fireside in her line-up, and then started a program from scratch for Triumph Community Bank in 2009.

Mary plans and escorts 30 - 35 trips per year including one-day, multi-day, and extended tours. Her part-time assistant helps with paperwork and accounting. Her travelers especially enjoy mystery trips and, since many are retired teachers, educational trips as well. She’s taken them to the Byron Nuclear Power Plant and a Wind Farm to learn about energy production. They’ve been to a Northern Wisconsin Indian Reservation where they experienced a Pow Wow and traditional meal. They’ve traveled to Maryland and Delaware to tour the Naval Academy. She’s taken them around the world to Iceland, China, and the Panama Canal. Next year's adventure is Holland in April for the tulips!

Other multi-day trips to Wisconsin have been taking in a Cubs game at Milwaukee’s Miller Park, Door County, Wisconsin’s Amish communities, and a mystery tour at Fort McCoy. While her Fireside trips are one-day tours, they do include a stop at the Jones Market a couple times a year.

Mary feels very blessed that people still want to go on group tours. For her, the tour business is “booming!” Their club has no age limit like some bank programs do, you just have to have a premier checking account or a CD to join. That helps get some younger travelers involved.

In addition to the tours, Mary hosts a quarterly club breakfast, held at a country club, complete with entertainment. This gives members who don’t have the time or inclination to travel the opportunity to socialize. It also gives her the chance to promote the rest of her programming, which includes a wide variety of educational seminars. These aren’t your typical financial seminars about banking products, either. She’s put together an incredible list of valuable seminars including an AARP safe driving course, safety tips from the fire department, understanding Social Security and Medicare, DNA testing and research, and even a six week course on getting

your affairs organized in advance of the time when you’re not able to take care of everything yourself. Having that done will save your family and loved ones hours and hours of time and energy if they don’t have to research your insurance and financial status, or your wishes.

With as much travelling as Mary does throughout the year, when she’s officially on vacation she prefers to stay home. Other than visiting her son, or siblings in Michigan and Georgia, she loves to be home. She also enjoys flowers and gardening, decorating and entertaining, hiking and swimming, and just spending time with family and friends.

Mary’s been coming to The Fireside long enough to remember chatting with our founder, Dick Klopcic and recalls how personable he was. She came to love visiting with Rick Klopcic just as much and looks forward to getting to know Ryan and Kristi. Attending our annual group leader appreciation parties offers a nice chance to do that. Her advice to others, “Always be honest and truthful with your people. Listen to what they have to say. Create a program you can all be proud of and even the difficult decisions will be easy.” Great advice from a wonderful and talented lady!

“The very best thing you can do is always be honest and truthful

with your people and listen to what they have to say.”

– Mary Long

GROUP LEADER PROFILE

Learning from each other

MORE GREAT PERFORMANCES ON SALE NOW!

THE BROWNS - March 20 - 21

The musical stylings of Shelly, Michaela, Adam, and Andrew Brown offer a life-changing experience to all who hear them. They deliver the powerful message of the gospel through word and song that engages audiences of all ages. Touring the United States for the past 15 years, The Browns have received the prestigious honors of Top Horizon Group three years and Top 10 Mixed Group of the Year four years in a row! From singing over 30 shows at the Americana Theatre in Branson to Dollywood stages and on board ten Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise ships this award winning family will inspire you with their close-knit family harmony and talent.

Tuesday Matinee & Evening, Wednesday

Evening. $35.95 per person plus tax and gratuity.

COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY - May 23

Excitement, spiritual anointing, family emphasis, and musical excellence are

what you’ll find in a Collingsworth Family concert. Since their first engagement together as musicians in 1986 until now, Phil and Kim’s ministry has flourished into a full-time venture that involves their entire family. Persistent attention to cutting-edge arranging, musical excellence and proper spiritual emphasis are the keys to their God given success. An inspiring concert by the Collingsworth Family includes both award-winning vocal and instrumental music that is certainly a treat for all ages.

Wednesday Matinee & Evening. $45.95 per

person plus tax and gratuity.

BOOTH BROTHERS - August 7 - 8

Ronnie and Michael Booth’s father immersed his sons in Southern Gospel music from an early age, performing with him until he retired in 1998 and they continued on their own. Paul Lancaster is the third member of the Booth Brothers trio. Ronnie, Michael, and Paul love Southern Gospel music. They believe it touches the soul and offers encouragement and hope. By singing and ministering to audiences through word and song, these men are fulfilling God’s call for their lives. They are deeply committed to musical excellence yet have a greater desire to impact the hearts of those listening to their music. Refreshing humor, inspiring songs, and encouraging words are embedded in every

concert. This trio has been acknowledged as one of the finest in the business, having received many awards including Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Trio of the Year, Male Group of the Year, Best Live Performers, Artist of the Year and more.

Tuesday Matinee & Evening, Wednesday

Evening. $45.95 per person plus tax and gratuity.

TRIUMPHANT QUARTET - October 9 - 10

Triumphant is the face of quality Gospel Music, Christian integrity, family values, friendship and dedication. The group has been that way since their beginnings in 2003, when the four friends first walked out on to the stage of the Louise Mandrell Theater, in Pigeon Forge, TN. Each one was there in that defining moment, and they have continued together ever since. Triumphant Quartet has had three #1 songs with several more near the top of the charts. Their smooth harmonies and rich quartet sound quickly gained them national attention, recognition and concert demand. Gospel music fans agree that the Triumphant sound is distinctive, solid quartet singing. Audiences will find themselves smiling, laughing, encouraged and uplifted, having received the Gospel message in a unique and powerful way!

Tuesday Matinee & Evening, Wednesday

Evening. $35.95 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Announcing our 2018 Christian Concert Series!

SEE WHAT’S COOKING

with Chef Mike

Inside theKitchen

Hi everyone, it’s time to present what my team and I have in store for you from the kitchen next year, specifically for our first show of 2018 which is PHANTOM. We will introduce a new soup, Cream of Potato, which is a cream soup that has a chicken stock base with cream, spices, white wine, diced potatoes and diced vegetables. The entree will include both Beef Short Rib and an open-faced Chicken Cordon Bleu, (the chicken we use is an all natural and antibiotic free), which is breaded and topped with a mixture of a garlic and herbed cream cheese with a hint of Dijon Mustard, Jones Cherrywood Smoked Canadian Bacon and Jarlsberg Swiss Cheese. The sauce we are making for the chicken is also new. It’s a Rosemary Velouté Sauce which is a chicken stock based sauce with heavy cream, seasoned with Rosemary. We’ll serve it with Broccoli and some orange and purple Cauliflower alongside a healthy and delicious mix of Tri-colored Couscous, Red Quinoa, Barley, and Wild Rice. Yumm!!

Now for the finale -- an Opera Cake, an Almond layered Sponge Cake with a rich Chocolate Ganache and Buttercream, striped with a classic Melba Sauce made of cooked, pureed, and strained Raspberries, Currant Jelly slightly thickened with corn starch. Wow what a meal, the cake alone is worth the trip! YUMM, YUMM!!!

Executive Chef

The Thursday Evening Signature Buffet begins with our Signature Salad topped with Papaya Chutney Dressing and served with Freshly Baked Breads. Enjoy two special entree selections in addition to Beef Tenderloin and Roast Turkey from the Carving Station, Barbecued Pork Back Ribs, Chicken Tenderloin Tempura with Brandied Apricot Sauce, Beer Batter Fried Cod, Shrimp and Scallops Fusilli with Tomato Butter Sauce, Fresh Atlantic Salmon, Sweet Potato Soufflé, Whipped Idaho Potatoes and Roasted Farm Fresh Vegetables. Opera Cake for dessert plus coffee, tea and milk are included.

The Sunday Matinee Brunch begins with an assortment of Quick Breads and Pastries from our Bakery to enjoy with a Mixed Berry Smoothie. We’ll be carving Jones Cherrywood Smoked Premium Ham and Roast Turkey Breast along with the buffet of Eggs Benedict on Jones Canadian Bacon, Miniature Individual Quiche, Crisp Bacon, Maple Sausage Links, Chicken Tenderloin Tempura with Brandied Apricot Sauce, Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Fresh Atlantic Salmon, Bread Pudding with Vanilla Whiskey Sauce, Breakfast Potatoes, a featured Beef Tenderloin Entree, and Roasted Farm Fresh Vegetables. Opera Cake for dessert plus coffee, tea and milk are included.

*Saturday Evening's menu also includes Appetizer and Salad courses.

Yeston & Kopit’s PHANTOMFeatured Menu December 29, 2017 - February 18, 2018

Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday Matinees,Saturday Evenings* (excluding New Year's Eve), and Sunday Middays.

Cream of Potato Soup

Freshly Baked Breads from our Artisan Bakery

Beef and BirdBeef Short Rib slowly braised in Beef Stock and dressed with a red wine

demi-glaze and Chicken Cordon Bleu - a skinless Breast of Chicken, dipped in buttermilk and egg, rolled in bread crumbs and sautéed to a golden

brown, topped with an herbed Cream Cheese with Dijon Mustard, Jones Cherrywood Smoked Canadian Bacon, and Jarlsberg Swiss Cheese on a Rosemary Velouté Sauce. Served with Fresh Broccoli, Cauliflower and a

blend of Wild Rice, Couscous, Quinoa, and Barley.

Opera Cake with Melba SauceCoffee, Tea and Milk

Jean’s Corner of the World

GROUP TRAVEL T IPS & NEWS

For personal help with any of your bookings, call me at 800-477-9505 or email jean@firesidetheatre.com.

Hello Groupies!A few housekeeping notes for you:• If you have not already signed and returned your MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET contract(s) with your deposit(s) please do so immediately. Without both, your seats may not be secure! • 2018 PHANTOM signed contracts along with deposits are due as soon as received.• 2018 contracts have all been processed and sent unless you just booked then allow for 5-7 days to receive. If you are missing any please let us know. • 2018 Menus are available now and on our web site! • New Year’s Eve . . . those of you on our wait list will be notified as soon as we have the details and rates. Thank you for your patience!

Box Office and Sales Manager

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO BOOK 2018 . . .

• Book now for 2018’s A SECOND HELPING (CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES 2). The overwhelming positive reactions to CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES makes selling out this trip a sure thing. Need two buses? CALL!

• CAUTION: GREASE IS SELLING FAST

• Ever wanted to run a grandparent’s trip? You can do no better than booking for Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, plus take advantage of the Group Youth Rates for youth ages 14 and younger. ($48.95 / $51.64 with tax)

• When everyone is happy and in the spirit, it’s the perfect time to promote your 2018 Christmas ELF date on the way home from MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET.

Not one to miss is NEWSIES. Not familiar with this? Never fear, we have one of our own FANSIES (what Newsies fans are called) on staff … Erica is the expert of all things NEWSIES ( movie AND stage) and she’ll share more info in our next edition.

AND IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BOOK FOR 2017’S MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET

• For Discount Dates through 11/26/17, check Thursday nights (buffet), Saturday nights (five course meal), and Sunday Middays (featured meal) for seats.

• Other Group options: Wednesday, November 22, Friday Matinees and Evenings on December 1, 8, 15 and 22, or Tuesday, December 19 - Saturday, December 23, 2017.

• Don’t forget about planning holiday parties for your staff, small clubs you enjoy, or friends and family groups for any of these open performance times. Thanks so much, everyone - travel safe!

2018SeasonOur 2018 promotional material is ready! Order forms will be sent to groups already booked, but if you need something now just give us a call.

WE KNOW IT’S BARELY FALL, BUT WE’RE LOOKING AHEAD TO WINTER WHEN YOU’LL BE JOINING US FOR PHANTOM, AND WINTER IS THE BEST TIME TO CUDDLE UP WITH YOUR CATS AND DOGS. A CAT ON YOUR LAP CAN KEEP YOU WARM, AND EVERY DOG LOVES TO SIT BY A CRACKLING FIRE. HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO HONOR YOUR FAMILY’S LOVING PETS WITH YOUR HOME DECOR, OR TO GIVE AS GIFTS TO PET LOVERS EVERYWHERE!

Winter is the Best Time to Snuggle Your Pets!

VIS IT OUR GIFT SHOPS

From signage to plush, picture frames to coffee mugs, and pillows to stepping stones, The Fireside Gift Shops have everything you need to declare your proud pet lover status to the world. We even have socks, and books, and coasters, kitchen towels and aprons, wine glasses and water bottles, magnets and figurines, playing cards and Christmas ornaments. You’ll find special merchandise devoted to honoring your much loved cats and dogs that have gone ahead of you to Heaven.

There’s a wide variety in styles to fit any decor so they work well for yourself and for gifts. We know that most pet owners are very passionate about their furry friends and we are happy to help you find the items and the sentiment that’s just right for you. Woof! Woof! Meow!

SAVE NOW! CALL 800-477-9505 WWW.F IRESIDETHEATRE.COM

Groups are our specialty - visit early to get the best discount!

THE FIRESIDE, INC.1131 JANESVILLE AVENUEP.O. BOX 7FORT ATKINSON, WI 53538 SEPTEMBER 2017

PRSRT STDPRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPAIDTHE FIRESIDETHE FIRESIDE

THE FIRESIDE, INC.1131 JANESVILLE AVENUEP.O. BOX 7FORT ATKIIKINSONSON OSOSONSNSON,N,N,N,NN,N WIWIWI 535553553553555 3383833333

• You can save over 20% with a group booking over individual ticket prices.• The three-course dinner and show for groups of 18 or more in 2018 is $72.74

($68.95 tax exempt) per person. • PREMIER GROUP RATE offers an additional discount of $3.00 per person

when your group attends any performance of Yeston & Kopit’s PHANTOM from December 29, 2017 - January 21, 2018 (excluding New Year’s Eve).

• 2018 Premier Group Rate is $69.58 ($65.95 tax exempt) per person.• The five-course Saturday Night Group rate in 2018 is $76.96 ($72.95 tax exempt)

per person. For rates on optional entree selections call Group Sales.• 2018 Premier Saturday Night Group Rate is $73.80 ($69.95 tax exempt) per person. • INCENTIVE rates are offered for groups of 13 to 17 attending Wednesday and

Thursday matinees. • 2018 Youth Group Rates for ages 14 and under with the youth meal are offered

at $51.64 ($48.95 tax exempt) per youth.• 2018 School Group Rates are available for Mid-Week matinees as low as $63.95

tax exempt rate per student. Chaperones qualify for the Group Rate.

What is a group? At The Fireside, there are many benefits for any group of 18 or more people attending a performance. You can hold seating with a small deposit while you finalize your exact count, due a few weeks before your visit. You’ll also qualify for a discounted ticket price and your meal gratuity is included.

For weekday matinees, 18 paid tickets earns a complimentary package, for all other shows it’s every 21st ticket. There is plenty of safe, free parking on-site for coaches. The Fireside is accessible to guests with disabilities; just let us know what special needs you have when making reservations.